The article says “A few decades back, multiple generations of a family living together were the norm in this country as grandparents helped care for kids and adult children assisted their parents as they aged. With today’s demands of two-career households coupled with economic hardship and uncertainly, more families are again choosing to bring different generations under one roof.”

Recent census reports tell us one in six households now have at least two adult generations.

This means housing needs are also changing. With the high cost of assisted living centers, and demands on time and resources to drive to an aging loved one’s home, many families are stretched. Thus, the “Sandwich Generation.” Caring for elderly parents, and raising children, at the same time. Throw a career or two in there, and there is little “family time” left.

Perhaps that’s why many families are going back to a solution our ancestors used. We know it as the “In-Law apartment.” In-Laws are additions on the main home. Aging loved ones have the privacy of their own area, yet still be close enough for help, if needed.

Gerber Homes of Rochester NY has a number of In-Law ideas. For some families, the answer is to convert a garage into a beautiful apartment, complete with kitchen and bath. For other families, a new addition to their existing home. Gerber Homes has been building additions to existing homes for decades.

Other families are looking for a new home that is tailor-made for everyone’s needs. For instance, The Westcott. This floor plan features a floor plan with 2 bedrooms, 2 bath for the family. On the In-Law side, there is a Master bedroom and bath. Total, this home has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths.

One of the many attractive features about this floor plan, is that the In-Law has a full kitchen, huge living area, and separate entrance. The main home’s Master Bedroom and bath are located on the other wing. A door between the two kitchens opens, making it easy for In-Law residents to join the family for a visit, or a family member to check in on their loved one. Everyone has their own space, yet steps from help, if needed.